About Us

Since 1967, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) has been a leader in educating young people from around the world in the fundamental principles of American democracy and our free market system. TFAS has been the launching pad for nearly 17,000 students who have participated in our programs in Washington, DC and around the world in Asia, Europe and South America. Alumni of our program are leaders in government, business, the media and nonprofit sector.

Washington, DC Programs

Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems – for students wanting to pursue careers in public policy, economics and government service.

Institute on Economics and International Affairs – for students interested in a career in the foreign service, international affairs, or multi-national NGOs.

Institute on Political Journalism – for students interested in a career in journalism, communications and public relations.

Institute on Business and Government Affairs – for students interested in a career in business, lobbying, trade associations and government affairs offices.

Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service – for students interested in careers in the nonprofit sector, direct service and fundraising.

Leadership and the American Presidency – for students interested in strengthening their leadership skills while learning lessons from the American Presidency. This program is sponsored in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Capital Semester – for students who are interested in a spending a full fall or spring semester in Washington, DC.

Legal Studies Institute – for first and second year law students looking to add a DC experience to their legal portfolio.

While participating in the programs, students live in on-campus housing at George Washington University or in furnished apartments in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Each student takes 3-9 credit hours in the summer and 12 credits in the semester with credit provided through George Mason University in addition to interning 30-35 hours per week. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in our Mentor Program, attend site briefings, visit D.C. landmarks, sit in on professional development seminars, and meet top experts in their field.

International Programs

Asia – Asia Institute for Political Economy (Hong Kong)

Europe – American Institute on Political and Economic Systems (Prague)

South America – Institute for Leadership in the Americas (Chile)

Our International Programs are cross-cultural academic experiences bringing together students from around the world. More information can be found on these programs at www.TFASinternational.org.

While TFAS is headquartered in Washington, DC, additional continuing education programs are available to alumni around the country in addition to regional conferences for donors, professors and other students throughout the year.

For additional information about The Fund for American Studies, please visit www.TFAS.org.